We recently connected with Casiano Samar Atienza III and have shared our conversation below.
Casiano Samar, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
I get my resilience from my parents. They came to the U.S. from the Philippines with very little, but they had a strong determination to build a better life for us. I grew up watching them work long hours (and they still do to this day), juggling multiple jobs to make sure my three siblings and I had everything we needed.
Even when things were tough, they never gave up. They taught us that no matter the challenge, you keep moving forward, stay humble, and find a way through. Their hard work and perseverance became a part of me.
Whenever I face difficulties, I think about what they went through and how they always found a way to push forward. That mindset has stuck with me, and it’s what keeps me going when times get tough.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’ve worked in various areas of photography and videography—music videos, weddings, live events, fairs, conferences, and corporate projects—but I specialize in concert photography and videography.
What excites me most is not just capturing raw moments but also connecting with new people, especially artists and content creators. Music has always been a huge part of my life, and combining it with my passion for visuals is something I’m incredibly grateful to do. There’s something special about meeting artists, hearing their stories, and building meaningful connections through our work.
I also hope to inspire others to pursue their own creative outlets, whether through photography, videography, or any other form of expression. Through conversations, I aim to spark creative energy and encourage others to explore what fuels their passion.
Right now, I’m focused on finding new ways to display my visuals and push the boundaries of how I present my work. I’m excited to keep collaborating with musicians and artists, experimenting with fresh ideas, and creating impactful content.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been being friendly and approachable, giving others the benefit of the doubt, and always taking that leap of faith.
First, I’ve learned to never close doors—let others close them on you. Staying open and kind has helped me build meaningful connections along the way.
Second, giving people the benefit of the doubt is key. It helps create opportunities and allows you to build strong, trusting relationships.
Lastly, always take that leap of faith. My advice to anyone starting out is to keep doing what you love and find time for it, even when it feels tough. You never know where it could take you.
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
If I had only a decade left, I’d spend it capturing every moment—photos, videos, everything—and save it all on a hard drive. I’d want to make sure I never missed a chance to record life’s best moments, so I (or anyone) could look back and relive them whenever we wanted!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casiiiano/
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